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New command chief takes position at Shaw

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Holly Brown
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  The new 20th Fighter Wing command chief took position April 30 here and his main focus is continuing to improve the morale of Airmen and their families. 

Chief Master Sgt. Lefford Fate is now responsible for military standards, morale welfare, training, professional development and good order and discipline of more than 4,300 enlisted personnel assigned to the largest F-16 fighter wing in the combatant air forces. 

Chief Fate's described his new job as; "Ensuring the enlisted force knows and understands the commander's policy and direction, and to get rid of the 'craziness' so Airmen can do their jobs and live their lives, and be the best Airmen they can be." 

"Basically, my goals are the same as the chief of staff's," Chief Fate said. "But I'd like to put a special emphasis on taking care of Airmen and their families. I've always had a special place in my heart for people so that's the direction I'm going to push." 

The Chief has 26 years of Air Force experience and this is his second command chief position. He said he is qualified to lead the base enlisted force because of his various assignments and positions. 

"I've had a lot of different jobs; security forces defender, inspector general, mental health and social actions," Chief Fate said. "I've had the opportunity to work with a lot of great leaders and a lot of great people. I know how I like to be treated and how I don't like to be treated." 

"There are many ways to get things done - if you respect people, most people will give it back to you. That type of leadership has worked for me in the past and I believe it will continue to work." 

"Shaw is very fast-paced, I see a lot of moving parts and a lot of professionals," he said. "I want to throw fun into it." 

His plan is to get out and talk to Airmen and their families to find out what they enjoy and what they would like to see at Shaw, he said. 

"The Airmen can expect this: I promised I was going to come here and do my best to be the best command chief they've ever worked with. I will work harder than anybody to make sure this is the best base," Chief Fate said. 

"I just want (Shaw) to be a better place to work and live," he said.